H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor
H.E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor is the Former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and President of the Liberian Senate. H.E. Dr. Taylor is Liberia’s foremost advocate for increased and improved opportunities for women. Her Excellency Dr. Taylor is a visible and highly involved stateswoman, with a vision for affordable yet quality education, a transparent justice system, an improved and accessible health system, women’s economic and political participation, and an accountable public service system. She is a critical voice on cross-cutting issues at many frontlines in the battle to reposition Liberia for vibrancy, productivity, and good democratic governance.
Dr. Taylor currently serves in many capacities, including Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. She has also served as a senior ranking member of the Liberian Senate on several strategic committees such as: Chairperson of the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia; Chairperson of the Education and Public Administration Committee; Co-Chairperson of the Planning and Development Committee; Member of the Joint Legislative Modernization Committee; Member of the Committee on Judiciary; Member of the Committee on Autonomous Commissions; Member of the Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Security, and Veteran Affairs; Member of the Committee on Internal Affairs, Good Governance, and Reconciliation; and Member of the Committee on Gender, Health, Social Welfare, Women, and Children’s Affairs.
As a result of her national impact, Vice President Chief Dr. Taylor has received numerous accolades, laurels, and awards from local, national, and international organizations, ranging from humanitarian awards to outstanding leadership awards. Key among them are the Women Activist Award (2016) for her role in gender advocacy and empowerment, the nation’s highest honor as Knight Great Dame, Order of the Most Venerable Order of the Pioneers in 2005, granted by former President Charles G. Taylor for her service to the nation as the 21st First Lady of Liberia, and the first female to be given the Distinguished Traditional Title of Venerable Chief in the National Traditional Council of Liberia in 2011. This chieftaincy title was conferred on her by traditional chiefs and elders of Bong County for her role in sponsoring a bill that created the National Traditional Council of Liberia, and in full recognition of her exemplary services to the people of Bong and Liberia. She also received the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Presidential Recognition Award for Humanitarian Services and Contribution to Youth Development in Liberia from African & American Women (AAW Peace) in 2011.
Other accolades include being named Senator of the Year for several consecutive years (2008-2015) by various organizations, the National Excellence Award for National Service in 2011, the National Excellence Award for Philanthropy in 2009, the Pan African Award on Leadership Excellence & Women Empowerment and Humanitarian Award in 2016, Woman of the Year in 2016 by the West African Philanthropist Organization, the Women Activist Award in 2016, the West Africa Philanthropy Awards as Woman of the Year in 2016, the 2nd Chance International Award as a Woman of Distinction in 2015 in New York City, USA, the ECOFEPA Good Will Ambassador by ECOWAS in Abuja, Nigeria in 2015, the Women Advancement Forum Award in recognition of her contribution to the emancipation, motivation, and advancement of women worldwide in 2014 in Gambia, the Outstanding African Women Achievers Award as African Mentor and Role Model in 2013 by the African Women Leadership Organization (AWLO) in Nigeria, the African Leadership Award as Outstanding African Female Leader of the Year in 2012 by the African Leadership Award in Dubai, and the Excellence Award in Recognition of her Advocacy for the Rights and Empowerment of Women by the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) in 2012 in Nigeria.
She is often referred to as the “People’s Senator,” and in confirmation of this title, Newsweek Magazine voted her the 2nd Most Powerful Female Politician in Liberia in 2011. Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, a nationalist, former First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, an eminent citizen, a devoted Christian, the standard bearer of the National Patriotic Party, the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, the President of the Liberian Senate, a distinguished and dedicated public servant, a patriotic citizen, and a positive role model.